There are times that many of us need help, but we hesitate.

Pride is a funny thing. It wants to be independent, and it takes satisfaction and delight in one’s own achievements. We don’t want to admit our shortcomings.

Eventually, we find out that this attitude doesn’t work. And if we are honest with ourselves, we desperately need advice and coping skills when we experience trials in life. Life does have its trials, doesn’t it?

The first time I joined Weight Watchers, it required some humility to admit that I needed a dose of self-discipline and some instruction to successful dieting. I was embarrassed to get on the scale in front of weigher. (I being the “weighee”) I was pleased that no one shouted, “Oh Annie. Shame on you!” No one noticed me! I soon kicked Miss Smarty- Pride-Pants out of my life. I listened and learned. It’s a great organization.

Al-Anon is another great self-help group. I recently attended an Al-Anon meeting in Denver with a family member. This family member is the mother of an addict; a beautiful young woman. She and her daughter have tried everything, but the cycle has continued for over 22 years. De-Tox, in-patient treatment, hospital visits, prison, counseling, anti-drug medications...and on and on. We too, have experienced this roller coaster ride of stress and emotional ups and downs during our now deceased son’s addictive run. Everyone in the family gets sick as a result. And no one retains their sanity. But, this mother is now a different person than she was two or three years ago. 

Why? She attends Al-Anon meetings. She studies the principles, hears from others, and applies them to her life. 

The purpose of Al-Anon is to help families and friends of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with or around an alcoholic. The Al-Anon meeting is non-judgmental, confidential, and supportive. It works. 

Next.

We all know many who have suffered heartbreaking losses. Whether the loss is a husband or wife, a child, a son or daughter, a sister, a brother, the grief is often unbearable. Familyfriendpoems.com. is a site where one finds others who are grieving. There are poems, and testimonies; and all are a help. The site offers opportunities to read others stories, to add your own thoughts, to comfort others, and to marvel at the poems and recovery of the tenacious soul. This site is upbeat and gives comfort just to know there are others who understand.

The Midwest Transplant Network is one more very productive and helpful source.

Often, when one loses a loved one, the hospital checks the Motor Vehicle Department to see if that person was a donor. In our case, our 34 year old son had checked the “donor” choice. The Midwest Transplant Network speaks to organ, tissue and eye donations and the impact on the transplant recipients and their families. Because our son was a donor, others were given a new start to their lives. In Jacob’s case, every part that was useful was taken. Bone marrow, eye parts, ligaments, bone tissue, kidneys, heart, liver ... you name it. 

This organization keeps the donor families current when necessary, and the site speaks to all nature of recipients and donors, with recipient testimonies. This organization shares inspirational, real-life stories from individuals who have received life-saving and life-changing transplants because of donors in Kansas and Missouri. This sensitive and remarkable organization continues to follow through with the donor families to give information and comfort, long after the donor has passed away.

Don’t hesitate to get involved with groups that specialize in particular needs. It’s a plus. 

Often, such involvement with the dedicated leaders and helpers derails other major issues later on. It’s a win-win situation! Don’t be a “Smarty-Pride-Pants”!

Judi Tabler lives in Pawnee County and is a guest columnist for the Great Bend Tribune. She can be reached at bluegrasses@gmail.com. Visit her website juditabler.com.